New York Mayor Joran Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, did not attend the 62nd annual Israel Day Parade in Manhattan, citing his support for Palestinian rights. His absence is notable, as it marks the first time a New York mayor has skipped this event.
According to the Associated Press, thousands of supporters of Israel, including American Jews, marched along Fifth Avenue from 62nd Street to 74th Street from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 31, waving Israeli and American flags.
The event originated in 1964 when thousands gathered in Manhattan to support the then-newly established state of Israel. The Times of Israel reported that the parade was initially called the 'Youth Salute to Israel Parade.' The following year, David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding father, visited to bolster support for Israel. Since then, the parade has been held annually along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
The AP noted that the parade has traditionally been a key event for politicians, including mayors and governors, to engage with the Jewish electorate. However, Mamdani indicated his intention to skip the event early on. Two weeks prior, his office released a video commemorating Nakba, which means 'catastrophe' in Arabic, referring to the forced displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Mamdani also stated at a recent press conference, "I made it clear during my campaign that I would not participate in the (Israel Day) parade, and my views on the Israeli government are well known."
Mamdani's absence has drawn criticism from Jewish leaders in the U.S. Mark Schneider, chairman of the Foundation for Interracial Understanding and rabbi at the Hampton Synagogue, expressed that Mamdani's absence is an insult to Jewish New Yorkers, stating, "We don't need you here, so don't come."
However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Police Commissioner Jessica Tish attended the event, as reported by The New York Times. Hochul emphasized that the groups participating in the Israel Day Parade were marching "in the spirit of resistance," asserting that no one should endure harassment or hatred while attending worship, and that they would ensure protection for attendees.
The event also saw participation from 13 Israeli lawmakers, including Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, who criticized Mamdani, stating that he is "shamefully fueling hatred against Israel and Jewish residents in New York," according to the Times of Israel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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